What dates do I need to AVOID when booking my Simcha?

No matter what religion you are, you’ll also want to be sensitive to the religious observances of your guests.

Even if they are able to attend, they might be fasting, eating a restricted diet, or have other limitations that will prevent them from fully enjoying your event.

So ensuring that you are choosing the best date possible will exclude any religious reasons for your guests to decline!

To help with that, have a look at the 2017 – 2020 calendar below for which dates you should AVOID having a Simcha like a wedding or Bar/Bat mitzvah!

One you have sorted out the date for your special celebration make sure to visit our Kosher Package page which we created especially for families who want a Kosher function without breaking the bank. Or you could find out more about how we can help by visiting our page about themed events or our services.

PURIM

11 March (sunset) – 12 March 2017

28 February (sunset) – 1 March 2018

20 March (sunset) – 21 March 2019

9 March (sunset) – 10 March 2020

PASSOVER

10 April (sunset) – 18 April 2017

30 March (sunset) – 7 April 2018

19 April (sunset) – 27 April 2019

8 April (sunset) – 16 April 2020

Traditionally, no Jewish celebrations are held between Passover and Shavuot except on Lag B’ Omer.

LAG B’OMER

14 May 2017

3 May 2018

23 May 2019

12 May 2020

SHAVUOT

30 May (at sunset) – 1 June 2017

19 May (at sunset) – 21 May 2018

8 June (at sunset) – 10 June 2019

28 May (at sunset) – 30 May 2020

THREE WEEKS LEADING UP TO AND INCLUDING TISHA B’AV

11 July (at sunset) – 31 July 2017

1 July (at sunset) – 21 July 2018

21 July (at sunset) – 10 August 2019

5 July (at sunset) – 25 July 2020

Jewish celebrations are allowed in Reform communities but are unfortunately not allowed in United ones during the period of three weeks leading up and including to the Fast of Tisha B’av.

ROSH HASHANAH

20 Sept (at sunset) – 22 Sept 2017

9 Sept (at sunset) – 11 Sept 2018

29 Sept (at sunset) – 1 Oct 2019

18 Sept (at sunset) – 20 Sept 2020

YOM KIPPUR

29 Sept (at sunset) – 30 Sept 2017

18 Sept (at sunset) – 19 Sept 2018

8 Oct (at sunset) – 9 Oct 2019

27 Sept (at sunset) – 28 Sept 2020

(Ends at sundown with a traditional ‘Break The Fast’ meal)

SUCCOT

04 Oct (at sunset) – 11 Oct 2017

23 Sept (at sunset) – 30 Sept 2018

13 Oct (at sunset) – 20 Oct 2019

2 Oct (at sunset) – 9 Oct 2020

SIMCHAT TORAH

13 October 2017

2 October 2018

22 October 2019

11 October 2020

CHANUKAH

12 Dec (at sunset) – 20 Dec 2017

2 Dec (at sunset) – 10 Dec 2018

22 Dec (at sunset) – 30 Dec 2019

10 Dec (at sunset) – 18 Dec 2020

Also consider other events such as big sporting events and school holidays – you don’t want people to miss your special day!